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How to Say "massacre" in Spanish

English → Spanish

masacre

/mah-SAH-kreh//maˈsakɾe/

nounB2general
Use 'masacre' when referring to the brutal killing of many people, especially in a news report or a general context of violence.
A row of fallen chess pieces on a board, symbolizing a great loss.

Examples

Los periódicos informaron sobre la masacre en la frontera.

The newspapers reported on the massacre at the border.

Es necesario recordar la historia para no repetir una masacre así.

It is necessary to remember history so as not to repeat such a massacre.

Gender Alert

Even though it ends in 'e', 'masacre' is a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

matanza

/mah-TAHN-sah//maˈtanθa/

nounB1general
Use 'matanza' when discussing the killing of many people within a historical context, such as a war, or when referring to the killing of animals for food.
A row of fallen chess pieces on a board, symbolizing a heavy defeat.

Examples

Los historiadores escribieron sobre la matanza ocurrida en la guerra.

The historians wrote about the massacre that happened in the war.

Debemos evitar otra matanza de civiles inocentes.

We must avoid another slaughter of innocent civilians.

Noun Gender

This word ends in -a and is feminine. Always use feminine markers like 'la' or 'una' with it.

Confusion with 'Matar'

Mistake: “Using 'matanza' as a verb.”

Correction: Use 'matar' for the action (to kill) and 'matanza' for the name of the event (the killing).

Masacre vs. Matanza

Learners often confuse 'masacre' and 'matanza' because both mean 'massacre'. Remember that 'matanza' is frequently used for historical events or wars, while 'masacre' is broader and often used in current events reporting.

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